Terry Malts – Nobody Realizes This Is Nowhere – Album Review

Bay Area trio Terry Malts are kickin’ out the jams with their sophomore album Nobody Realizes This Is Nowhere, which is set to be released on Slumberland Records on September 10. I highly suggest you set your calendar alerts now because they’re killing it once again! Terry Malts’ punk rock spirit and high energy is still very much alive, as it was on their debut album Killing Time. However, on their second go, that punk rock drive is coupled with a slightly darker, post-punk edge which is starting to poke its despair-filled head; for example, the inquisitive track “Well Adjusted” — “Why’s everyone so well adjusted? If everything’s alright, why can’t I sleep at night?”.

The crooning power-pop acumen has also been taken down a notch and the thrashing distortion more finely tuned, perhaps at the mercy of mixer, Monte Vallier (Weekend, The Soft Moon). From YOLO anthem “No Tomorrow” to musical frenzy “They’re Feeding,” Terry Malts’ new album still gets the same results — as it inspires me to move, dance, riot, shout, commiserate, escape, and plain old just throw my hands up and have a good time, just like a good punk rock album should.

This Album Would Go Well With: The Joy Division or the Dickies Pandora station. A Wax Idols show (and yes, this is my plea for the two bands to play together, looking at you Slumberland Records…). A night out at your favorite dive bar. A rejection.

Favorite Tracks:“Two Faces” – Ring! Ring! It’s Terry Malts calling with a track that exudes lyrical defiance (“I don’t wanna go, to my work no more, cuz they got two faces“) coupled with exuberant and punchy drums. The vocals continue to emit a Ramones-like inflection (and yes, it could very well be another song that might have made the Ramones just a wee bit jealous) but they register deeper and lower than on the previous album.

“I Was Not There” – A gloomy, post-punk-distortion-heavy dance number that you can easily clap along, sing along and dance by yourself to, (or drown your sorrows in a pint to). You can find happiness in the sadness and isolation of this song, just like you might do with a Joy Division or a Smiths song. I’m gonna go cry in a corner now, but I’m probably going to secretly like it and this song will be the soundtrack.

Upcoming Shows:
Record Release show at Thee Parkside (San Francisco) – September 5